MADISON - A previously foreclosed property in Fitchburg will get a jumpstart to redevelopment with assistance from a Department of Natural Resources brownfields grant.

The DNR's Wisconsin Assessment Monies (WAM) program will provide the city contractor services worth approximately $15,000. The work includes assessing potential contamination, which may help the city and new property owner redevelop the site.

The nearly 3-acre site on Index Road most recently housed a business that utilized paints, solvents and glues. The city aims to answer and resolve potential environmental issues through the work provided by the DNR.

"The city will be able to put to rest whether the site is impacted by contamination and, if it is, to what degree," said Christine Haag, chief of the DNR's brownfields program. "After potential contamination has been addressed, the city and the new owner of the site can begin to look into redeveloping the site. Whatever the end result, the DNR is proud to partner with Fitchburg to assist with this effort."

Administered by the DNR's Remediation and Redevelopment Program, WAM awards provide communities with professional environmental site assessments of properties with known or perceived contamination.

Participation in the WAM program requires minimal effort by local governments. Because there is no financial match or project administration involved, the award is an attractive opportunity for communities. In many instances, WAM awards are leveraged with other sources of funding to kick-start repurposing efforts on properties that may have been underutilized for many years.

Applications can be submitted for WAM awards at any time. Properties eligible for funding include closed or closing manufacturing plants, or vacant land with a history of manufacturing. Gas stations, dry cleaners and salvage yards are not eligible.